How to Get Efficiency in Minecraft (Efficiency V)

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Efficiency speeds up mining on pickaxes, shovels, axes and hoes. The enchanting table gives up to Efficiency V on most tools - but stone and diamond tools cap at IV, so combine two IVs in an anvil for V. Librarians, fishing and structure loot work too.

What you need

Pickaxe, shovel, axe or hoe
Enchanting table + bookshelves
Anvil (mandatory for stone/diamond Efficiency V)
Librarian + lectern for targeted books
Lapis and XP

Step by step

Pickaxes, shovels, axes and hoes accept Efficiency at the enchanting table. Tools other than stone or diamond can receive V there. Shears can receive Efficiency through an enchanted book on an anvil, not directly from the table.
Mind the stone and diamond cap: stone and diamond tools only get up to Efficiency IV from the table (a quirk Mojang confirmed as intended). Combine two Efficiency IV items or books in an anvil to reach V.
Or skip the cap entirely: diamond tools with Efficiency V already applied spawn in end city, ancient city and bastion remnant chests - check every tools chest.
Trade with librarians: reroll lecterns until an Efficiency book appears, then combine up to V. Villagers can also sell tools with random Efficiency levels.
Feel the speed: Efficiency adds level² + 1 mining efficiency (26 at level V, on top of your tool's base). It only counts with the correct tool for the block - an Efficiency V pickaxe mines stone fast, but won't speed up dirt.
For ordinary stone, a diamond or netherite pickaxe with Efficiency V and Haste II can mine instantly under normal conditions. Harder blocks, Mining Fatigue, being airborne or underwater penalties can prevent that result.
Use the bonus for breaking blocks with the correct tool. It does not speed up an axe's use action to strip a log. Tooltip and mining-speed details differ by edition.

Java vs Bedrock

The Efficiency bonus is level² + 1, with V adding 26. Stone and diamond tools need an anvil to reach V after table enchanting; shears also need an anvil. Haste and other mining-speed modifiers differ by edition, so do not assume every final breaking time is identical.

Versions: Describes the current Java and Bedrock releases. See the edition note for differences.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I get Efficiency V on my diamond pickaxe?

Stone and diamond tools cap at Efficiency IV on the enchanting table - Mojang marked it 'works as intended'. Combine two Efficiency IV picks or books in an anvil for V, or find pre-enchanted Efficiency V diamond tools in end city, ancient city and bastion chests.

What does Efficiency actually do?

It adds mining efficiency: level² + 1 points on top of your tool's base speed, so Efficiency V adds 26. It only works when you mine a block with its correct tool type - wrong tool, no bonus.

Can you insta-mine with Efficiency?

Yes, for suitable blocks and conditions. A diamond or netherite pickaxe with Efficiency V and Haste II can instantly break ordinary stone. That does not guarantee instant breaking of deepslate or every other block, especially with mining penalties.